Magic Johnson Is Leaving ESPN After A Reported Power Struggle With Bill Simmons

According to Deadspin, ESPN turned the show over to Simmons. Host
Michael Wilbon was given a diminished role as a result. And
Johnson decided to walk away.

From Koblin:

"Another ESPN insider also said that Magic was 'privately
seething over the Wilbon thing and in general did not like that
Simmons held all the power and influence.' Magic didn't
necessarily need the power, our
sources explained; he just didn't feel like kowtowing to Simmons
when he's, well, Magic Johnson."

Simmons has a ton of creative freedom at ESPN, and for good
reason. Two of the company's biggest critical successes —
Grantland and the 30 For 30 documentary series — were spearheaded
by Simmons.

He has good ideas and knows how to execute them.

"NBA Countdown" had issues last year. Magic was the
stereotype of the fake-laughing ex-athlete TV host. There was
also a clash between the casual style of Simmons and Jalen Rose
and the more self-serious style of Wilbon.

If ESPN is putting the show in Simmons' hands, as Deadspin
is reporting, that's a smart move.

Johnson said in a statement, "I love ESPN.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of my schedule and other
commitments, I don't feel confident that I can continue to devote
the time needed to thrive in my role."

Simmons issued an ambiguous denial:

My first experience today with someone writing a "sources"
report about me that's not true. Part amusing, part horrifying.